rmdudley

I recently had the check brake pad wear notification go on. The MB dealer said it was my front brakes. They said that the pads and rotors were "married" and that both would need to be replaced.

Is this true??

Thx

markgm

In general I've replaced pads without replacing rotors, but I've never replaced a rotor without replacing the pads too.

nycphotography

^ this.

jahquan3

I just had all 4 of my pads replaced this weekend and I didn't need my rotors changed. They said that the rotors where in good shape. I had the check brake pad message as well. I had mines done at STS with a lifetime warranty on the pads/work (Stated on Printout). Whatever that may mean

I also had a brake fluid flush and replace.

cetialpha5

Ask them what's wrong with the rotors. There's usually a minimum thickness. If they're too thin, you can't reuse them. There do seem to be threads where people just slap a new set of pads on the rotors but you could also just get them turned. Used to be it wasn't worth it but I think MB rotors are a little on the expensive side so it might be worth it.

beejAMG

you can do a visual check yourself, if the rotor starts to form a lip on the edges, its time to replace them. i normally go with 1 rotor, 2 pads.

thefisch

When I've asked about pricing on brake pad replacement, they always add in the cost of the rotors saying they should be changed at the same time. That may be what the stealers normally state. However, I expect what they actually do will depend on the condition of the rotors at that time.

mrmotoguzzi00

ok got a few questions for ya:

1) when you hit the brakes does the steering wheel wobble ?

if yes, then your rotors are warped and need to be replaced. Maybe you can get away with turning them but most likely not.

2) when you hit the brakes do they squeal/grind ?

if yes, then your pads are worn out and starting to scrape the rotors, let that go too long like weeks/months and your likely to ruin the rotors..

3) ok if they are not wobbling or squealing/grinding you may be able to just swap the pads.

This is where you either trust the mechanic to make sure the rotor is not at the minimums or has big grooves or you have to look and measure the rotor yourself.

Hope this helps

Mike

jonUF02

I always replace it all, but I definitely don't pay dealer prices. I do my own with quality after-market parts. There are good reviews here of the Autozone brake parts. Just spring an extra couple hundred for new rotors and drive happy. Most modern rotors don't have enough thickness to turn them. Since I don't have the equipment for that at my disposal anyway, it's not much difference in cost to replace them. Unless you have AMG the parts prices are pretty reasonable.

cc16177

Does anyone have a specific recommendation on rotors/pads for a 2011 E550?

Late

Akebono Ceramic Pads ( No brake Dust)

For the rotors ill usually just pick up something with an painted Hat and cross drilled for the look. Centrix i believe is the name of the most recent set i put on.

Arrie

No, it is not true. Pads and rotors are not "married" and your dealer claiming this raises a red flag. He is trying to make repairs on your car that are not needed. You pay, of course.


Some people change rotors with the pads but this is not needed unless your rotors have worn below the minimum thickness.


Also some grooves on the rotors do not cause a problem unless one side rotor has a lot more of them. Big difference between sides can cause car to pull while braking and in these cases you either turn the rotors if the thickness allows or just get new ones.


Worn grooves on rotor surface mean that the new pad does not have full contact to the rotor surface but a few hard steps on the brake pedal will fix this.

Salacak

Went back to dealer today and told them check the brakes again (this is a car i bought it few weeks ago CPO 2010 e350 4matic 57K miles on it), after they checked manager told me breaks are fine but if i wanted perfect they have to change the rotors and she said they can split this 3 ways or something and it would cost me only $300. I said only rotors not the pads and she said pads are fine but i insist changing rotors should be paired with new pads i don't care how fine the pads are on it now. Anyway she said i have to pay that myself also if i wanted.
My question is, car has breaks like this never ever should pass CPO checks, don't get me wrong they are not that bad but they also don't feel right too.
I guess they have a guideline and rotors and pads passing those guidelines, doesn't matter they perfect or not.
Anyway this point i'm thinking i have no choice but pay (which is not a bad price anyway) other question is what kind of rotors and pads these guys use, even if they original MB parts obviously they have some issues with these, can we use different rotors, pads etc.?

Arrie

MB will install MB parts only.

jonUF02

CPO warranty is for any dealer, right? Maybe another dealer will side with you and put it on MB?


Question - My brakes don't wobble the steering wheel, but they pulse a little. I can't figure out if it's just the car down-shifting, or the brakes. What would cause brakes to pulse, but not wobble? My old W208 felt that way also. Just enough to notice it when I have passengers in the car and trying to drive slow.

Salacak

I was thinking the same, do you think any incentive for dealers to do or think differently. I can have a ride another 40 miles or so to use different dealer.

Salacak

They are replacing all 4 rotors and all i have to pay new pads, i said okay

nycphotography

Depending on the charge for the pads, I would have done the same.

Salacak

I'll pay $217 for 4 pads and some other things came with pads

nycphotography

I'd jump on that for sure.

Yeah, it'd be great if it were completely free... but 4 wheels brand new brakes for $217 and you don't have to get your hands dirty is a sweetheart deal.

Salacak

They didn't want a do it, they said rotors and pads are fine according to CPO required numbers, i said they don't feel good at all how they can pass those tests, but i guess they can (they don't have to be perfect). After all they said they would change the rotors and pads are fine so no need for change pads. That didn't make sense to me that changing rotors without putting new pads with it. Anyway i feel good right now like you said, getting all rotors and pads etc. changed to new my cost $217
I guess Mercedes is a GOOD Brand to deal with after all !!!

thefisch

you're always going to get better service in the few weeks after you purchased the car. I wonder if it had been months later would they have stepped up to help with the costs.